“This story has a bit of everything that I love…paranormal, of course, and action, danger, a unique plot, and well…hot MMF sex/romance. This isn’t your Mama’s romance, though. It’s very intense. There’s a feeling of urgency, but there’s also some angst. These three people NEED each other to be complete and to be safe.”

Alaric Normand is a solitary predator, so when he meets a man who kindles long-dormant emotions, he dismisses the attraction. What does he need with a lover? A consort bond spells nothing but vulnerability for a vampire who’s been alone for five centuries.

Ex-priest Gideon Keegan has lost his faith, so when he witnesses a supernatural killing, how does he accept the reality of evil? And why does he feel attraction for such a violent individual, especially when he’s already in love with someone else?

Everyone thinks Hannah Ward is an innocent, but she knows the truth: she’s done terrible things, and so she hides her affection for Gideon. She isn’t worthy of love, yet when a handsome stranger kisses her she falls hard, despite her sense that something is wrong. How can she have feelings for two men at once? Must she choose between the dark and the light?

The year is 2050. Earth is quickly becoming uninhabitable. The seven continents are shrinking as flooding devastates the land masses. Crime and disorder are rampant among the dwindling human population.

There are only two safe havens in the galaxy capable of supporting humanoid life. Xyran is a world of power-hungry demons and Planet Alpha is home to a fearless warrior race.

The males on Planet Alpha need mates. Infertility has plagued their race for decades. The answer lies on Earth where tempting females are waiting to be saved. When their enemies attempt to claim the spoils of a dying world, only the strongest will get their prize.

The Billionaire’s Bodyguard Series (MM suspense)

The Sentries are territorial, guarded, and relentless in their duty to defend humanity from a secret, deadly menace. In order to remain vigilant, these semi-immortal men must remain aloof and solitary. No one, not even their true mate, will distract them from their mission to protect Earth from annihilation…

Have you ever wondered where angels come from? Would you believe that they’ve always been among us, a separate species with different gifts and different goals, but the same dedication to doing good in the world? And what happens when demons can insinuate themselves even into the strong of heart? Enter into the world of my Angel Shifters and find out more…

Chance encounters never really go anywhere, do they? But what if you kept running into the same two people again and again? What if those encounters made you realize just how much you yearned for the kind of love you never thought you would ever experience? Would you take a chance and let it happen?

What would you do if you started dreaming about the same two people every night—dreams that felt so real the emotions persisted even after you woke up? What if those dreams convinced you that those two people were real? What would you do if you discovered you weren’t going crazy? That you were truly bonding to your soul-mates? Would you give in and let it happen? Read the Dream-Marked series and find out. . .

I’m going to be chatting LIVE tonight at Night Owl Reviews! Join me at 8 pm Eastern time and ask me anything! I’ll be talking about my new release, BITTER BITE. Also chatting will be Melia Alexander and Sherry Soule. I bet we’ll have a great time!

Alaric Normand is a solitary predator, so when he meets a man who kindles long-dormant emotions, he dismisses the attraction. What does he need with a lover? A consort bond spells nothing but vulnerability for a vampire who’s been alone for five centuries.

Ex-priest Gideon Keegan has lost his faith, so when he witnesses a supernatural killing, how does he accept the reality of evil? And why does he feel attraction for such a violent individual, especially when he’s already in love with someone else?

Everyone thinks Hannah Ward is an innocent, but she knows the truth: she’s done terrible things, and so she hides her affection for Gideon. She isn’t worthy of love, yet when a handsome stranger kisses her she falls hard, despite her sense that something is wrong. How can she have feelings for two men at once? Must she choose between the dark and the light?

Which means all my Evernight books are 25% off! Click on the banner to buy! Discount at checkout.

BITTER BITE is out and also on sale!

Do you like vampires? Virginal heroines? What about an ex-priest struggling with his faith and sexuality? Bitter Bite is an erotic menage romance where the conflict between three unexpected lovers, bonded by fate, is only exceeded by the evil they must face together to survive……

Alaric Normand is a solitary predator, so when he meets a man who kindles long-dormant emotions, he dismisses the attraction. What does he need with a lover? A consort bond spells nothing but vulnerability for a vampire who’s been alone for five centuries.

Ex-priest Gideon Keegan has lost his faith, so when he witnesses a supernatural killing, how does he accept the reality of evil? And why does he feel attraction for such a violent individual, especially when he’s already in love with someone else?

Everyone thinks Hannah Ward is an innocent, but she knows the truth: she’s done terrible things, and so she hides her affection for Gideon. She isn’t worthy of love, yet when a handsome stranger kisses her she falls hard, despite her sense that something is wrong. How can she have feelings for two men at once? Must she choose between the dark and the light?

Yes, it’s that time again. Time for a freebie! Read the first chapter of BITTER BITE!

Bitter Bite is a horror novel. And a menage where two guys fall in love with each other because they can’t imagine it any other way. And it’s a story about a girl and her former teacher finally letting go. It’s also a story about forgiveness and loyalty.

Alaric Normand is a solitary predator, so when he meets a man who kindles long-dormant emotions, he dismisses the attraction. What does he need with a lover? A consort bond spells nothing but vulnerability for a vampire who’s been alone for five centuries.

Ex-priest Gideon Keegan has lost his faith, so when he witnesses a supernatural killing, how does he accept the reality of evil? And why does he feel attraction for such a violent individual, especially when he’s already in love with someone else?

Everyone thinks Hannah Ward is an innocent, but she knows the truth: she’s done terrible things, and so she hides her affection for Gideon. She isn’t worthy of love, yet when a handsome stranger kisses her she falls hard, despite her sense that something is wrong. How can she have feelings for two men at once? Must she choose between the dark and the light?

First Chapter Freebie:

Alaric Normand pinched the matchstick’s flame into darkness and leaned over the newly lit candle. The wax smelled of dust and neglect because very few people came to this alcove to pray for their dead loved ones these days. The wick sputtered for a moment, and then caught fire, illuminating the red votive glass with a flickering light that never failed to soothe him.

“In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen,” he murmured. The words didn’t mean much to him anymore, but they were familiar. They helped him remember his mother’s face. He smiled as he recalled the way she used to curse under her breath when her hair wouldn’t lay right over her left temple. They were always late to church because she couldn’t bear to look less than her best.

“Rest in peace, mother,” he said, smiling over his clasped hands. It’d been so long since she’d died that her memory no longer upset him.

The man nodded in greeting, and Alaric realized that whoever he was, he wasn’t particularly happy to be here. His friendliness didn’t reach his eyes.

“Most people don’t smile at this alcove,” the stranger said as he bowed his head, breaking eye contact.

“My mother’s been gone for many years now,” Alaric offered, lifting a shoulder. “Her memory is sweet, not sad.” The man didn’t move so much as a muscle, but Alaric could tell he’d suddenly gone tense.

“My mother died over two years ago.” The man took one of the long matches and lit the tip using Alaric’s chosen votive to kindle his flame. “That doesn’t mean the grief is any less sharp.” He held the match to the wick of a candle and frowned when it ignited. The fire danced until the wax heated enough to settle the conflagration.

There’s a miniature hell, right there, Alaric thought, amused. He glanced at the man kneeling next to him. “I’m sorry for your loss,” he murmured, standing up.

The stranger looked up. His hazel eyes glowed green in the candlelight. “Likewise.”

Pretty man, Alaric thought, nodding goodbye. He smiled again, then pivoted and headed out of the church. He had more important things to do tonight than make friends with a human. He’d been alone for centuries. Solitude no longer bothered him.

* * * *

Gideon Keegan watched the stranger walk away. He felt tense, but he didn’t know why. He’d come here to light a candle for his mother, talk to one of his oldest friends, and pray for a little while before heading to work. Instead, he found himself sitting on his heels and staring after a man he didn’t know, for no reason he could fathom.

“He hasn’t come here in a long, long time. Years, actually,” John said, settling down next to Gideon. “This is only the second time I’ve seen him.”

Gideon startled, then shook his head as his oldest friend plucked a matchstick from the glass container and twirled it like a miniature drumstick. Typical. Always sneaking up on me. The flames danced in the votives just beyond their fingers as though nothing were wrong. “Father Howard, what a surprise to find you here,” he said dryly. He eyed the whirling match and then snatched it out of the priest’s hands, mid-toss. “You’re getting better at the ninja-stealth thing, but isn’t playing with fire a little undignified for someone in your lofty position?”

His friend rolled his eyes and took back the stick. “Really, Gideon. You calling me Father? Not amusing.” He gently set the matchstick back into the holder.

Gideon grinned, relieved as the tension he’d been feeling slid away. “You’re a priest. That’s what I’m supposed to call you,” he said, as if that was the end of the discussion.

“You were a priest, too, so stop being ridiculous, Gideon. You know how silly this is, right?”

Gideon’s smile faded. “I’m not a priest anymore.”

John sighed. “Look, I know things haven’t been great for you lately—”

Gideon snorted. Understatement of the year. He thought of Hannah and shook his head, trying not to dwell on someone he could never have. She had been his student, years ago, and she was still way too young for him. And she was an innocent. Gideon was not going to mess up her life just because he felt lonely.

“But that doesn’t mean you need to keep up this morose, moody thing all the time. Kick back and enjoy yourself. Live a little.” John poked him in the arm. “Glaring at everyone who gets near you isn’t very attractive, you know. Why don’t you wear something festive for a change? Like, oh, I don’t know … a color other than dark grey?”

“That’s rich, coming from you.” Gideon tugged on his friend’s shirt sleeve. John wore unrelieved black from head to toe. “You look like you’re going to a funeral.” He smiled tightly.

“You’re being deliberately difficult,” John said, ignoring Gideon’s attempts at humor. “You’re a layman now. Go on a date, for God’s sake. Ask that girl you’ve been moping over for the past three years out to dinner.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Hell, ask a random guy out. I know you swing both ways.”

“You’re not supposed to condone a sinful lifestyle.” Gideon frowned at his friend.

“Give me a break. The church may be stuck in the thirteen hundreds, but I’m not,” John said sourly. “It’s been two years now since your mom passed away and you hung up your cross. It’s time to stop mourning and get on with life.”

“I don’t want to talk about my departure from the church,” Gideon said shortly.

“We aren’t talking about that, Gideon.” His friend sighed. “You aren’t happy. I thought you would be happier if you left the priesthood, but you’re not. I worry about you.”

“Who was that man that was just here?” Gideon asked, changing the subject. He recognized the mulish look on his friend’s face and wanted to head off any more unsolicited advice. He wasn’t in the mood for yet another lecture about moving on. He’d moved on. He’d quit the priesthood and landed a job as a bouncer at a gay bar. That was more than enough moving on for now, in his opinion. I haven’t locked myself up in my apartment, much as I’d like to.

John shook his head and let it go, to Gideon’s relief. “I don’t know his name, but he has a key to the church. He’s been coming here since before I was assigned to this parish.” John shrugged and adjusted one of the votives until the flame threw patterns on the alcove wall. The mural of Saint Frances seemed to glare at them when shadows danced across his face.

Gideon frowned, forcing his gaze away from the back wall. “He has a key? Really?”

“Yes. Really.” John picked up another matchstick and began lighting candles. “Old Father Brozeni told me to let it go when I asked him about it the next day. He said some people couldn’t be kept out, whatever that meant.”

Gideon laughed uncomfortably. He could be talking about me. “That’s weird.” He glanced at the vestibule. The dark wood doors were closed tight and the man hadn’t made a sound as he’d left the building. Very creepy.

“Yeah. Weird is right. I tried to ask the guy how long he’d be so I’d know when to come back and deal with the votives, and the next thing I knew, I was in the sacristy staring at the wall.”

Gideon blinked. “Have you been smoking weed?”

John laughed. “I wish, but no. No illegal substances for me. Which is a damn shame, frankly. I could use a little help when the senior choir comes by to practice their music.” He shuddered dramatically. “Hitting a single note all together is too much to ask for, I know that, but it would be nice if they could at least try.”

Gideon grinned at his friend’s antics. “Well, he’s gone now and the choir doesn’t practice until Tuesday. So, are we still on for Sunday night?”

“Sure. Six o’clock? Your place? We can watch the latest horror flick and kick back with a few beers. I need a break from all the fire and brimstone.” John stood up and glanced around. “Gotta lock up in here in a moment. It’s almost eleven.” He leaned over and began blowing out all the flames he’d just lit.

Gideon looked away. When he was a kid, the candles had been left to burn until all the wax ran out, but modern fire ordinances meant no votives could be left unattended inside the building overnight. “Yeah. Bring pizza. We’ll play cards after the movie until your curfew.”

John sighed irritably. “It’s not a curfew and you know it. Father Brozeni gets worried when I stay out too late and I don’t like to upset him. He’s a kind old man. The least I can do is show him some respect.”

Gideon smirked. “You’re such a good little altar boy.”

“Shut up, you creepy asshole. Brozeni’s one of the good guys and you know it.”

“Such language, and in a church no less.” Gideon mock-clutched his chest until his friend laughed. Score one for a successful diversion from my love life.

“Get out of here. I know you have to work tonight.” John stood up and smoothed the wrinkles from his pants.

Gideon sighed and zipped up his jacket, not looking forward to heading to the bar. Friday nights were usually insane. “I do.” He checked his phone and frowned at the time. “And I’m going to be late if I don’t hurry.” He slapped his friend on the shoulder and started walking to the side door. “Take care, John. See you soon.”

“Sunday night,” John replied.

Gideon waved and pushed open the heavy door, wincing as a blast of cold air shoved against his face. “I can’t wait until spring gets here,” he muttered, hunching his shoulders into his jacket. He walked down the sidewalk and ducked into the alley out of the wind. It was a brisk, ten-minute walk to the club where he worked, and he had no time to dawdle. He headed toward the dumpsters pushed against the wall, then froze when he saw that he wasn’t alone. At the far end of the alley stood two men in a confrontational pose.

Huh. That’s the mysterious guy from the church.He recognized the man’s long, dark hair. The breadth of the man’s shoulders had his prick twitching in interest. Gideon frowned, wondering how old he had to be before his damned libido stopped tormenting him. It was bad enough he was hung up on Hannah. He didn’t need to add a strange man to his fantasies, too. The smaller man gestured and the man Gideon had spoken to made as if to walk away, but the other one surged forward angrily.

This isn’t going to end well, is it? I’m better off not getting involved. Gideon rubbed his face and decided to take the long way to work when he saw the man from the church reach out and grab the smaller one by the neck. Shit. He tensed, about to go help, but then the two of them twisted around, somehow, and the shorter man fell back against the brick wall of the apartment building. His face turned into the light and his eyes gleamed unnaturally for a moment before he slumped down farther.

Damn it. There goes being on time. Eric is going to make me pay for not relieving him at the door. Gideon reached into his pocket for his phone, convinced he was witnessing a drug deal gone bad. When the man from the church seized the other one’s shoulder and pushed him up so his feet dangled, Gideon stared, phone forgotten. No one was that strong. He would know. He worked out, a lot. He needed to be in shape for his job, and also, what else did he have to do? He had so much free time he’d go insane if he couldn’t lose himself at the gym.

He frowned, thinking about strength and leverage. Before he could do anything, the man from the church grabbed the other one’s jaw and wrenched, hard. The smaller man’s neck made a horrible cracking sound, and the next thing Gideon knew, the head came off, spraying blood everywhere. The survivor grunted and stepped back, looking down. Anger twisted his features, but strangely, the harsh emotion didn’t make him look one bit less attractive.

Gideon pressed himself against the wall out of sight, throat tight with horror. This can’t be real. He swallowed. It didn’t help. He swallowed again, forcing down bile. What he’d just seen was impossible. Heads simply didn’t come off that way, no matter how strong you were. Jesus. He had to look. He had to know what happened. He eased out from behind the dumpster and saw … nothing. Nothing at all. No men. No body. No blood. What the hell? Dear God, what did I just see?

* * * *

Alaric stepped away as the body turned to ash. He hated these little encounters. They never ended well for the young ones. At a little over five-hundred years old, Alaric was stronger, faster, and more deadly than most vampires he encountered. He preferred to avoid conflict, but for some reason, the younger vamps always wanted to pick fights with him.

Residual rage over being turned, probably, he mused, grateful once again that he’d resisted the urge to create more monsters like himself. He’d been turned by a bitter, young female vampire who’d managed to get herself ashed by the time he’d figured out what had happened and learned to control the blood-rage. He’d been mostly alone ever since. He sighed, and let his anger dissipate. He needed to get moving if he wanted to accomplish all of his tasks before dawn. And I still haven’t found anything to eat. That must be rectified as soon as possible. Controlling his need for blood became more difficult the hungrier he became. The young ones always forgot that most basic lesson.

He smoothed his jacket and headed out of the alley. He’d go to the bar a few blocks away. There were always a few people willing to bare their necks for him in a club. He rolled his shoulders and altered his walk so he’d seem younger, then ducked into the flow of pedestrian traffic on the main street. Friday nights were usually crowded in any city, and this one was no exception. He passed closed shops and dodged a few tipsy twenty-somethings before he finally reached the door to the club he’d noted earlier.

“Is it busy tonight?” he asked the bouncer as he showed his driver’s license.

The man shrugged. “Same as usual for a Friday night.” The silver rings in his ears gleamed beneath the flashing neon sign on the door. He shone a light on Alaric’s ID then grunted. “That’ll be ten bucks.”

Alaric’s eyebrows rose at the price, but he silently handed the man two fives, then tucked his wallet back into his jeans. “A bit expensive, hmm?”

“It’s a Friday night. What’d you expect?” The bouncer looked past him as the cluster of drunk partiers Alaric had dodged earlier staggered up to the front of the line. “Fucking figures this would be the one night Gideon is late,” he muttered under his breath.

“Gideon?” Alaric asked.

“My replacement,” the bouncer said.

“Ah.” Alaric smiled perfunctorily. “Hope he shows up soon.”

“He’d better, or I’ll kick his ass.” The bouncer reached past Alaric for the next person’s ID. “You can go on in.”

Alaric nodded and pushed open the heavy door. Loud music and strobing lights greeted him, and he realized he’d managed to land himself in a gay dance club. Not that it matters. I like hot men as much as I like sweet women. Shrugging indifferently, he shoved through a mob of young, sweaty bodies and waded onto the dance floor. Finding dinner wouldn’t be difficult at all. Male or female, they all tasted the same: delicious.

Do you like vampires? Virginal heroines? What about an ex-priest struggling with his faith and sexuality? Bitter Bite is an erotic menage romance where the conflict between three unexpected lovers, bonded by fate, is only exceeded by the evil they must face together to survive……

Alaric Normand is a solitary predator, so when he meets a man who kindles long-dormant emotions, he dismisses the attraction. What does he need with a lover? A consort bond spells nothing but vulnerability for a vampire who’s been alone for five centuries.

Ex-priest Gideon Keegan has lost his faith, so when he witnesses a supernatural killing, how does he accept the reality of evil? And why does he feel attraction for such a violent individual, especially when he’s already in love with someone else?

Everyone thinks Hannah Ward is an innocent, but she knows the truth: she’s done terrible things, and so she hides her affection for Gideon. She isn’t worthy of love, yet when a handsome stranger kisses her she falls hard, despite her sense that something is wrong. How can she have feelings for two men at once? Must she choose between the dark and the light?

Story excerpt:

Alaric shook his head. “You’re not a priest. I would’ve sensed it.”

“I’m not a priest anymore,” Gideon said softly, suppressing the familiar stab of anger. Leaving the priesthood had been the toughest thing he’d ever done.

“But you used to be.” Alaric half-smiled. “Well, well. How interesting.”

“It’s only interesting to me. Now get out of my way,” Gideon said, trying to shoulder past.

Alaric grabbed him again, this time shoving him up against the wall. “Not so fast, my dear. I’m not done with you yet.”

Gideon flushed at the words, feeling more turned on than threatened, though why, he didn’t know. This man had, after all, attacked two people that he knew of, and possibly more. Alaric was dangerous. Of course, you’re not an old man like that poor sucker outside was. You can take Alaric down any time you want. Strength doesn’t trump balance, he reasoned, breathing deeply to center himself. He glanced at Hannah again, needing to know if she could see him stuck in the corner with Alaric, and found her watching them.

When their eyes locked, surprise chased across her face, probably because he and Alaric looked like they were embracing. She had no idea he liked men, too. As his former student, it wasn’t any of her business, dammit, but it looked like all his secrets were about to be exposed whether he liked it or not.

“I’ve seen you looking at the pretty bartender,” Alaric murmured softly, leaning in as if he was about to kiss Gideon, or possibly bite him. “She seems young for the job, and oh so sweetly innocent, especially for this place. Those gorgeous brown eyes are staring at us, you know. She looks shocked. Do you think she likes watching us together? Is that why she’s working in a gay bar?”

“Leave her out of this.” Gideon put his hands on Alaric’s wrists and squeezed, but he couldn’t break the vampire’s grip. “And let me go. I don’t want to hurt you.”

The image Alaric painted aroused Gideon more than he wanted to admit. Angry now, he tried again to escape, squeezing harder. When that did nothing, he kicked out with a foot.

Alaric pushed up against him roughly, using his body to hold Gideon immobile against the wood paneling. “None of that, Gideon. Let me have my say.”

Gideon gritted his teeth when he felt Alaric’s cock pressing into his hip, thick and hard. God, it felt good. “Fuck you,” he said, slightly breathless. Shame washed through him. He hadn’t tried very hard to get away, and the truth was, he liked being manhandled like this.

“Perhaps I will let you someday. I’d enjoy that very much,” Alaric said, smiling slightly. “But what of the girl?” He cocked his head slightly, blue eyes luminous. “She likes you, my dear. I can sense it.”

Gideon swallowed an angry retort. The creature was playing with him. “She’s innocent. Leave her alone.”

“If you tell anyone what you saw outside, I’ll have to take steps,” Alaric whispered threateningly.

Gideon flinched when Alaric’s lips touched his temple. His cock was hard now, too, and aching. He resisted the urge to rub himself against Alaric’s strength. “What kind of steps?” he asked instead, like a fool.

Alaric inhaled. “God, you smell good.”

Gideon’s breath hitched.

“Did you know I like both men and women?”

Gideon honestly wasn’t surprised, not after the way Alaric had noticed Hannah. “What kind of steps?” he asked again, more forcefully.

“Perhaps I’ll ask your girl out. Take her dancing.” Alaric touched his mouth to Gideon’s lips and kissed him softly. “I’m sure I’d enjoy tasting her like this.” He kissed Gideon more aggressively, licking inside and taunting with his tongue.

Gideon choked on a moan as Alaric held him against the wall and ravished his mouth. He felt himself weakening and bit Alaric’s lip, warning him he wasn’t some damsel in distress. He couldn’t let his guard down, no matter how desperately aroused he felt being constrained like this.

“What are you?” Gideon asked, breathing harshly as another pang of heat shot through him. God help him, but he wanted to drag Alaric into the darkness and fuck him until he couldn’t think straight anymore.

Alaric leaned back. His blue eyes had bled to midnight again. “I’m exactly what you think I am, my dear.”

Gideon’s heart knocked against his ribs, hard enough to hurt. “Don’t touch her, or I swear—”

“I won’t, as long as you keep this delicious mouth shut,” Alaric said, kissing him again.

Alaric Normand is a solitary predator, so when he meets a man who kindles long-dormant emotions, he dismisses the attraction. What does he need with a lover? A consort bond spells nothing but vulnerability for a vampire who’s been alone for five centuries.

Ex-priest Gideon Keegan has lost his faith, so when he witnesses a supernatural killing, how does he accept the reality of evil? And why does he feel attraction for such a violent individual, especially when he’s already in love with someone else?

Everyone thinks Hannah Ward is an innocent, but she knows the truth: she’s done terrible things, and so she hides her affection for Gideon. She isn’t worthy of love, yet when a handsome stranger kisses her she falls hard, despite her sense that something is wrong. How can she have feelings for two men at once? Must she choose between the dark and the light?

Story excerpt:

Alaric shook his head. “You’re not a priest. I would’ve sensed it.”

“I’m not a priest anymore,” Gideon said softly, suppressing the familiar stab of anger. Leaving the priesthood had been the toughest thing he’d ever done.

“But you used to be.” Alaric half-smiled. “Well, well. How interesting.”

“It’s only interesting to me. Now get out of my way,” Gideon said, trying to shoulder past.

Alaric grabbed him again, this time shoving him up against the wall. “Not so fast, my dear. I’m not done with you yet.”

Gideon flushed at the words, feeling more turned on than threatened, though why, he didn’t know. This man had, after all, attacked two people that he knew of, and possibly more. Alaric was dangerous. Of course, you’re not an old man like that poor sucker outside was. You can take Alaric down any time you want. Strength doesn’t trump balance, he reasoned, breathing deeply to center himself. He glanced at Hannah again, needing to know if she could see him stuck in the corner with Alaric, and found her watching them.

When their eyes locked, surprise chased across her face, probably because he and Alaric looked like they were embracing. She had no idea he liked men, too. As his former student, it wasn’t any of her business, dammit, but it looked like all his secrets were about to be exposed whether he liked it or not.

“I’ve seen you looking at the pretty bartender,” Alaric murmured softly, leaning in as if he was about to kiss Gideon, or possibly bite him. “She seems young for the job, and oh so sweetly innocent, especially for this place. Those gorgeous brown eyes are staring at us, you know. She looks shocked. Do you think she likes watching us together? Is that why she’s working in a gay bar?”

“Leave her out of this.” Gideon put his hands on Alaric’s wrists and squeezed, but he couldn’t break the vampire’s grip. “And let me go. I don’t want to hurt you.”

The image Alaric painted aroused Gideon more than he wanted to admit. Angry now, he tried again to escape, squeezing harder. When that did nothing, he kicked out with a foot.

Alaric pushed up against him roughly, using his body to hold Gideon immobile against the wood paneling. “None of that, Gideon. Let me have my say.”

Gideon gritted his teeth when he felt Alaric’s cock pressing into his hip, thick and hard. God, it felt good. “Fuck you,” he said, slightly breathless. Shame washed through him. He hadn’t tried very hard to get away, and the truth was, he liked being manhandled like this.

“Perhaps I will let you someday. I’d enjoy that very much,” Alaric said, smiling slightly. “But what of the girl?” He cocked his head slightly, blue eyes luminous. “She likes you, my dear. I can sense it.”

Gideon swallowed an angry retort. The creature was playing with him. “She’s innocent. Leave her alone.”

“If you tell anyone what you saw outside, I’ll have to take steps,” Alaric whispered threateningly.

Gideon flinched when Alaric’s lips touched his temple. His cock was hard now, too, and aching. He resisted the urge to rub himself against Alaric’s strength. “What kind of steps?” he asked instead, like a fool.

Alaric inhaled. “God, you smell good.”

Gideon’s breath hitched.

“Did you know I like both men and women?”

Gideon honestly wasn’t surprised, not after the way Alaric had noticed Hannah. “What kind of steps?” he asked again, more forcefully.

“Perhaps I’ll ask your girl out. Take her dancing.” Alaric touched his mouth to Gideon’s lips and kissed him softly. “I’m sure I’d enjoy tasting her like this.” He kissed Gideon more aggressively, licking inside and taunting with his tongue.

Gideon choked on a moan as Alaric held him against the wall and ravished his mouth. He felt himself weakening and bit Alaric’s lip, warning him he wasn’t some damsel in distress. He couldn’t let his guard down, no matter how desperately aroused he felt being constrained like this.

“What are you?” Gideon asked, breathing harshly as another pang of heat shot through him. God help him, but he wanted to drag Alaric into the darkness and fuck him until he couldn’t think straight anymore.

Alaric leaned back. His blue eyes had bled to midnight again. “I’m exactly what you think I am, my dear.”

Gideon’s heart knocked against his ribs, hard enough to hurt. “Don’t touch her, or I swear—”

“I won’t, as long as you keep this delicious mouth shut,” Alaric said, kissing him again.